2012 GOP hopeful Huntsman defends ambassadorship

President Barack Obama announcing the nomination of Jon Huntsman to U.S. Ambassador to China in the Diplomatic Room at the White House, Saturday, May 16, 2009, in Washington.

/ AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta

Today's speech by presumptive Republican presidential candidate Jon Huntsman suggests how he plans to deal with his service as President Obama's ambassador to China--an issue some Republican observers say will be a challenge for him to overcome. This is Huntsman's first speech since his return from China, and while it obviously isn't a political address, it gives us some interesting clues about how he may confront the issue when he gets in the race.

Speaking to graduates at the University of South Carolina, Huntsman casts his decision to go to China as one of serving the country. He also appears to be shaping the narrative of his service there: From his vantage point in China, America's strength and greatness was obvious.

Huntsman clearly is making a play in South Carolina (unlike Mitt Romney, who most here believe is writing off the state). He's lined up veteran strategist Richard Quinn, and he is meeting this weekend with influential House Speaker Bobby Harrell and his wife. The Harrells meet with all the candidates and will make a pivotal endorsement.

Here's how he explains his service in the Obama Administration:

"Give back. As much as you're able. Work to keep America great. Serve her, if asked. I was, by a president of a different political party. But in the end, while we might not all be of one party, we are all part of one nation, a nation that needs your generational gift of energy and confidence."

[morriswise]

Only a legendary hero can take the throne away from the dark magician who speaks pearly white words. Unfortunately Republican contenders are old, dusty, boring, and far from having the qualities needed for a good president. But somewhere in this land is a young man who is true of heart and strong of mind. He will come forward as king Arthur once did and restore the nation to its former greatness.

[jimbom121]

Huntsman is a class act, and I hope he stays that way. When you are asked to serve your country, you do it.

I wonder what the response would have been if Santorum, Bachman, Palin, Romney, or Pawlenty had been asked to serve by Obama...what would their response be??

[user000049586849302948603]

"Give back. As much as you're able. Work to keep America great. Serve her, if asked. I was, by a president of a different political party. But in the end, while we might not all be of one party, we are all part of one nation, a nation that needs your generational gift of energy and confidence."

I'm a life long Republican so I don't know if I can vote for anyone that Obama has become accustom to addressing as "boy".

[AttyFAM]

Racist.

[user000049586849302948603]

by AttyFAM May 8, 2011 12:45 PM EDT
Racist.

__________________________________________________________

Don't cry little girl.

[babooph]

He had a big job,borrowing from China,so the US rich could get the $$$,instead of paying their tax for the wars their delusional idiot started but lost...

[xpatricklee83]

I hope he keeps the narrative of partisanship, he might just be a republican that middle of the roaders (like myself) could appreciate.